Dear Friends, 

God is up to something good around here! Yes, I know that’s true all the time, everywhere, but sometimes you can really sense the reality of His goodness and exciting plan for HCA. Although we are a little smaller than we’d hoped, both the staff as well as the School Committee have the sense that God is refining us, building us up, and preparing us for His work which we believe will be expanding in the future. Like Gideon’s army, we are small but mighty in the Lord, willing to do whatever He decides. When we first started the school we felt called to be the cheerleaders for this marvelous way of educating God’s children. We did help several schools start up but I’ve always had the sense that God will do more. One of our dreams is to help other schools learn to “do school” differently. We want to share our approach and our unique programs like Food for Life and Nature Explore. Perhaps we’ll have a summer training program for teachers, or conduct missions’ projects around the world, or ……only God knows, and we await His directions for His plans. It’s very exciting!

 

We have been, and continue to be, so blessed here at HCA. I am happy to tell you that all our new staff and students have settled in quickly and seem like they’ve always been here. The staff members have deepened some of our important areas such as special needs, counseling, and writing skills. Every time I give a tour, like I did just this morning, I am amazed at all God has done and continues to do through His little army here in Holden. After I explain our unique program and approach that foster inquiry, wonder and thinking skills, I then go on to explain the other facets of the HCA diamond such as our integrated art, music, theater. before and after school programs, and fabulous electives. Next, I point out our beautiful surroundings- the soccer field, playground equipment, nature walk, outdoor classroom and the 20 raised-bed garden! Lastly, I show them the Nature Explore Courtyard where little kids (and big ones) can learn by examining, manipulating, and using the natural things that God has made.

 

This is just the tip of the iceberg because GOD’S LOVE permeates this building and our hearts. We are excited, encouraged, and very thankful that your family is a part of it all. This morning I was asked what HCA’s greatest accomplishments have been. My answer is like that of the apostle John who said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 4.

 

I look forward to seeing you at  Parent Night, Thursday, at 6:45. We take our partnership very seriously and appreciate our time together. You are a fun group and we plan to have a good time! We have an important survey for you to fill out and we need your feedback. Please arrive by 6:45 in order to do so. Thanks!

 

In Him who fills us,

Susan Hayward, Principal

Spiritual Emphasis Week is next week and we can hardly wait!! Every year we have the privilege of hosting our friends from Coastlands Consultants to lead us in a spiritual booster shot. It’s painless and a lot of fun.  We are blessed to welcome back our good friends Pam Brady, Matt Huffman who always connect with the kids and do a fabulous job.  Please pray for Pam and Matt this week. Pray that HCA will encourage them in every way and that God would send new workers into this wonderful ministry.

 

How does S.E.W. work?

We begin each day, Monday-Friday, with a special chapel at 8:30. Parents are welcome as always.  Our student worship teams lead us in worship and then the SEW team works together to do some fun activities to introduce and review ideas and topics. They perform skits, teach the kids the Jesus cheer, play “What’s wrong with this Picture”, and review lessons with Bible Ball. After worship, the group is split in two for the message.  K-4 is led by Pam Brady and 5 ^th-8 ^th is led by Matt Huffman.  Both groups focus on a theme for the week that will bring us all closer to God.

  

The week is about relationships. The team visits classrooms, plays at recess, and eats with the kids. They have built lasting relationships with our students in the past and will do so again this year.  We choose to have our Spiritual Emphasis Week at the beginning of the year because it makes a tremendous impact that lasts for the entire year.

 

Who are they? 

Here’s some background information on these extraordinary servants whose unique faith-based ministry is primarily to Christian Schools.  It’s a ministry of encouragement and help.  Pam Brady is the director and founder of Coastlands Consultants.   After teaching in a Christian school, she completed her Masters Degree in Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 1985 and earned her Doctorate of Ministry from GCTS in 2007.  Pam spent seven years as a full-time Christian school administrator and answered the call to missionary itinerancy full-time in 1995.  Pam served for seven years on the Granite State Christian School Board.  She served as ACSI District Two Representative covering Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island and Eastern Mass. Pam and I have been friends since the early ‘80s. She was instrumental in helping HCA get off the ground and has been a tremendous source of encouragement (faith and fun) ever since!

 

Matt Huffman is starting his 15 ^th year with Coastlands and is a favorite at HCA as well. He graduated from Grove City College, taught at Nashua Christian Academy for five years and leads the Jr. and Sr. high portion of the ministry. He is a solid man of God and so dedicated that he keeps in touch with our past students and attends HCA events during the year when he’s in the area.

 

Five interns will be visiting HCA this year as well. We have seen many interns built up by this ministry over the years and hope someday that some of our own students will take the challenge to spend a few years being personally mentored and built up as they minister to Christian schools across New England.

 

A worker is worthy of his wages

Because the ministry is faith-based,  a collection will be taken on their behalf.  We are suggesting a $15 or more donation per family. Please send in a check  made out to HCA for their support by next  Wednesday, Sept 27th.  We pray that the students will want to give generously of their own money in response to the blessing they have received from the entire team. The gift will be given to them on Friday. In the past HCA has always been incredibly generous and I pray that this year will be no exception.

Please contact Jenn Jonay if you are willing to be a host family for some of the Coastlands team while they are here ministering to us.

In Him who is able,

Susan Hayward, Principal